13/04/2025
These are probably the most powerful words anyone has ever spoken to me in my life. Here’s my story:
The renowned Dr. E.A. Adeboye of The Redeemed Christian Church of God in Lagos, Nigeria spoke these words to me on my first of many visits to Nigeria. Months prior, people close to me attacked me, telling me my dreams of singing before masses of Africans were not from God, I would never travel the world to sing, and they didn’t even like the way I sang. It broke my heart.
On my first trip to Lagos, Nigeria in April of 1989, I told Pastor Adeboye and his wife Folu my story of rejection and pain at their kitchen table. My good friend Evangelist Nancy Milsk was sitting beside me. The memories of the pain filled my heart as I sat before this man of God and spilled the words out of my brokenness.
After hearing my story and watching me shed many tears, Pastor Adeboye spoke these words to me, “If you will be moved by men’s criticism, you will be moved by their praise! You must be dead to both.” He further said, “Where the Lord is taking you, to sing before the masses, and to sing around the world, you have to be dead to the accolades and applause, just as much as being dead to their criticism so you can remain humble.”
He then extended his hand across the table to shake my hand and said, “I want to be the first to congratulate you. You are very loved of God.” The pain and rejection left me at that moment. And I forgave those that hurt me with their words. I was able to ask God to bless them, truly bless them. I was freed of the shackles of their words.
We don’t realize how binding and debilitating our words can be. If you are a parent, find the words of love and affirmation to speak to your children that will instill self-confidence, character, and honor. Don’t leave them with negative words that hang on them like shards of steel in their hearts and minds. Truly we have the power of life and death in our tongues. We can build up or we can destroy.
These words of Pastor Adeboye changed my life. And it was from these words I figured out how a phrase can be so powerful. It was from this that my Split-Second Sermons was birthed. I believe my first one liner was A MAN WILL ACT OUT WHAT HE BELIEVES HIMSELF TO BE.
By the grace of God, I indeed travelled the world singing, as the Lord had spoken to my heart and showed me in visions. I sang before crowds of up to 10 million in Nigeria and all over the U.K., even in London Arena a couple of times, China, Russia, Europe, Haiti, Kenya, and the large venues all around the U.S., even at Madison Square Gardens in NYC.
I hope this testimony speaks to your heart and truly sets you free to see your dreams fulfilled in Jesus name.
Men will try to prevent your destiny, but GOD IS FAITHFUL
Jacquelyn K. Heasley
Christian targeted one-line sermons to exalt, build up, encourage and even change you to be the best you in Christ!
